EP4087069A2 - Metal single-piece blank for assembly by crimping of a connector to an insulated cable, preassembled connector subassembly including the blank or comprising a central contact and two parts for crimping of different material and/or thickness, associated methods for assembling a connector to a cable. - Google Patents

Abstract

One-piece metallic blank for assembly by crimping of a connector to an insulated cable, pre-assembled connector sub-assembly integrating the blank or comprising a central contact and two crimping parts of different material and/or thickness(es), methods of assembly of a connector to an associated cable. A first alternative of the invention consists first of all in defining a one-piece metal blank which will make it possible to produce a connector subassembly ready to be directly crimped to a shielded and insulated cable , previously prepared. A second alternative of the invention consists firstly in defining a preassembled connector subassembly which integrates front and rear crimping parts with different electrical and/or mechanical characteristics, and which is ready to be directly crimped to a shielded and insulated cable, previously prepared. Either of the two alternatives makes it possible to minimize the assembly steps and the associated risks such as c them linked to the process of threading multitudes of components according to the state of the art.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors.

The invention aims in particular to improve the assembly of a connector to an insulated cable, in particular of a power connector to a cable with a large section for the passage of high currents.

They may be power connectors connecting, for example, the battery of a vehicle to the electric motor or to the power electronics.

These may be connectors conveying other types of signals, such as RF signals, or data.

Although described with reference to a preferred application, connectors for motor vehicles, and more particularly, for hybrid and electric vehicles, the invention can be implemented in any other application.

Prior technique

The strong development of hybrid and electric vehicles requires reliable and easy-to-implement solutions, in particular for making connections between shielded cables and power connectors, either for equipment manufacturers or by the vehicle manufacturers themselves.

Several connectors have thus been proposed.

Mention may be made here of the two-way connectors marketed by the companies Tyco Electronics Connectivity under the trade name “HVP-800 range”, Aptiv under the name “RCS800 range” or even Rosenberger under the name “HVR200 range”.

All the assemblies of the various components (contacts, shielded cable, connector) with these existing connectors must be done in several successive and orderly steps, with a precise direction of assembly.

The risk of forgetting a part and/or making an error in the direction or assembly order is high and generates scrapping of poorly assembled connectors with a cable.

In addition, with existing connectors, automatic assembly is complex or even impossible to implement.

For example, if we refer to a two-way connector from the aforementioned HVP-800 range, the assembly must be carried out by successively threading the various components (retaining part, gasket, internal and external ferrules, electrical insulator, protection of the central contact, electromagnetic shielding ring) of the connector on a cable, with crimping at each assembly stage of an electrically conductive component (contact).

Consequently, there is a need to improve the assemblies of connectors, in particular of power connectors, to a shielded cable, in particular with a view to overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks

The invention aims to meet all or part of this need.

Disclosure of Invention

• une bande périphérique formant un support de préférence plan qui s'étend selon un axe longitudinal;
• au moins deux parties alignées qui s'étendent chacune le long de l'axe longitudinal en étant séparées l'une de l'autre, chacune des deux parties étant maintenue au support par au moins une lame formant une attache, la partie avant étant une partie de sertissage, de clipsage, de montage en force par harponnage ou de surmoulage, adaptée pour recevoir et maintenir respectivement par sertissage, clipsage, montage en force par harponnage ou surmoulage un composant électrique du connecteur, tandis que la partie arrière de préférence continue est une partie de sertissage sur le câble, comprenant des ajours destinés à assurer le passage de mâchoires de sertissage.

To do this, the subject of the invention is, according to one of its aspects, and according to a first alternative, a one-piece metal blank for assembly by crimping of a connector to a cable, comprising:

• a peripheral strip forming a preferably planar support which extends along a longitudinal axis;
• at least two aligned parts which each extend along the longitudinal axis while being separated from each other, each of the two parts being held to the support by at least one blade forming a clip, the front part being a part for crimping, clipping, force-fitting by harpooning or overmoulding, adapted to receive and hold respectively by crimping, clipping, force-fitting by harpooning or overmoulding an electrical component of the connector, while the preferably continuous rear part is a crimping part on the cable, comprising openings intended to ensure the passage of crimping jaws.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the front part is a crimping part.

According to this mode, each of the two crimping parts advantageously comprises a receiving barrel and at least one crimping fin connected to the barrel, one of the barrels being intended to receive the electrical component of the connector.

According to one embodiment, the one-piece blank comprises at least one support blade, connected to the support and which extends inside the latter between the two crimping parts so as to form a support zone of an electrical component of the connector received in one of the two crimping parts.

Advantageously, the front crimping part comprises at least one crimping fin adapted to be crimped around the electrical component, preferably around an electrical insulating part housing a preassembled central contact.

The rear crimping part preferably comprises at least one crimping fin adapted to be crimped around the shield braid of the insulated cable.

The rear crimping part may comprise at least one crimping fin adapted to be crimped around the outer and/or inner insulation sheath of the insulated cable or around a seal fitted around the outer sheath of the insulated cable .

Advantageously, the rear crimping part is continuous.

Each of the two parts is preferably held to the support by at least one fastener which extends along the longitudinal axis (X) and/or laterally thereto.

• un composant électrique comprenant un contact central préassemblé, le cas échéant, logé dans une pièce isolante électrique,
• une ébauche monobloc telle que décrite précédemment, dont une des deux parties reçoit le composant électrique.

The subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a connector subassembly, comprising:

• an electrical component comprising a pre-assembled central contact, if necessary, housed in an electrical insulating part,
• a one-piece blank as described above, one of the two parts of which receives the electrical component.

Advantageously, the electrical component is crimped onto the one-piece blank via the front part.

The invention also relates to a reel for the automatic or semi-automatic assembly by crimping of a connector to a cable, comprising a plurality of sub-assemblies as above, joined by one edge of the supports of the blanks and wound around a mandrel.

• i1/ fourniture d'un câble blindé et isolé, le(s) fil(s) conducteur(s) et la tresse de blindage étant dénudés à une extrémité du câble;
• ii1/ fourniture d'un sous-ensemble comme ci-avant, de préférence à partir d'une bobine décrite ci-avant;
• iii1/ positionnement du câble dans le sous-ensemble de sorte que la partie dénudée du(des) fil(s) conducteur(s) vienne se loger dans la partie arrière de sertissage du contact central préassemblé et que la partie dénudée de la tresse de blindage vienne se loger dans la partie de sertissage du sous-ensemble qui est séparée du contact central ;
• iv1/ sertissage, au moyen d'un outil de sertissage de type mâchoires-enclume (M), inséré dans les ajours entre support et attache(s) et lame(s) d'appui, de la partie arrière de sertissage du contact central préassemblé sur le(les) fil(s) conducteur(s) et, de préférence simultanément, de la partie de sertissage du sous-ensemble sur la tresse de blindage;
• v1/ découpe de l'(des) attache(s), de sorte à obtenir un contact unitaire préassemblé avec le câble.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling at least one connector to a cable comprising the following steps:

• i1/ supply of a shielded and insulated cable, the conductive wire(s) and the shielding braid being stripped at one end of the cable;
• ii1/ supply of a subassembly as above, preferably from a coil described above;
• iii1/ positioning of the cable in the sub-assembly so that the bare part of the conductor wire(s) is housed in the rear crimping part of the pre-assembled central contact and the bare part of the shield is housed in the crimping part of the sub-assembly which is separated from the central contact;
• iv1/ crimping, by means of a jaw-anvil type crimping tool (M), inserted in the openings between the support and the attachment(s) and the support blade(s), of the rear crimping part of the central contact pre-assembled on the conductive wire(s) and, preferably simultaneously, of the crimping part of the sub-assembly on the shield braid;
• v1/ cutting of the clip(s), so as to obtain a pre-assembled single contact with the cable.

According to an advantageous variant, step i1/ further comprises supplying a seal fitted around the outer or inner sheath of the cable, step iv/ further comprising crimping the rear part of the sub- together, preferably simultaneously with its crimping on the shielding braid, on the seal.

Preferably, step v1/ is a mechanical cut using a blade or a mechanical shear cut or a laser cut.

According to the advantageous embodiment, the method comprises after step v/ cutting, the following step:
vi1/fitting of the central contact crimped around the conductive wire(s) in the electrical insulating part (3) to obtain their final assembly.

• vii1/ montage par encliquetage d'au moins une enveloppe de blindage entourant à la fois la pièce isolante électrique et la partie avant, de sorte à obtenir un contact unitaire blindé ;
• viiil/ montage d'au moins un contact unitaire câblé blindé selon l'étape viil/, dans un boîtier monobloc de connecteur, avec de préférence maintien du contact unitaire par des brides de rétention à l'arrière du connecteur.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the method comprises, after step vi1/, when the seal is fitted around the outer sheath of the cable, the following steps:

• vii1/ mounting by snap-fitting of at least one shielding casing surrounding both the electrical insulating part and the front part, so as to obtain a unitary shielded contact;
• viiil/ assembly of at least one shielded wired unitary contact according to step viil/, in a one-piece connector housing, preferably with maintenance of the unitary contact by retention flanges at the rear of the connector.

• vii'1/ montage d'au moins une enveloppe de blindage entourant la partie arrière sertie et d'une enveloppe de blindage entourant à la fois la pièce isolante électrique et la partie avant, de sorte à obtenir un contact unitaire blindé;
• viii'1/ montage de deux demi-coquilles de boîtier d'interface autour du(des) contact(s) unitaire(s) blindé(s) selon l'étape vii"1/, avec de préférence maintien du contact unitaire par des brides de rétention à l'arrière du connecteur.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the method comprises, after step vi1/, when the seal is fitted around the inner sheath of the cable and preferably around the braid of the cable, the following steps:

• vii'1/ assembly of at least one shielding casing surrounding the rear crimped part and of a shielding casing surrounding both the electrical insulating part and the front part, so as to obtain a unitary shielded contact;
• viii'1/ assembly of two interface box half-shells around the shielded unitary contact(s) according to step vii"1/, preferably with the unitary contact maintained by retention flanges on the back of the connector.

• vii"1/ montage de deux demi-coquilles de blindage recouvrant les contacts unitaires ;
• viii" 1/ montage de deux demi-coquilles de boitier d'interface autour des deux demi-coquilles de blindage selon l'étape vii" 1/.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the method comprises, after step vi1/, when the seal is fitted around the inner sheath of the cable, the following steps:

• vii"1/ assembly of two shielding half-shells covering the individual contacts;
• viii" 1/ assembly of two interface box half-shells around the two shielding half-shells according to step vii" 1/.

Another subject of the invention is a wired unitary contact, if necessary shielded, obtained by the process described above.

Finally, the subject of the invention is a connector, in particular a multiway connector, obtained by the process described above.

Thus, the invention according to this first alternative consists in the first place in defining a one-piece metal blank which will make it possible to produce a connector subassembly ready to be directly crimped to a shielded and insulated cable, prepared beforehand, which makes it possible to minimize the assembly steps and the associated risks such as those linked to the process of threading multitudes of components according to the state of the art.

The invention also relates, according to a second alternative of the invention, to a preassembled electrically conductive subassembly which extends along a longitudinal axis (X), to be assembled by crimping on a cable comprising an electrically conductive core and at the at least one electrically insulating sheath and, where applicable, a shielding braid around the core, the subassembly comprising a central contact and comprising at least two crimping parts, electrically conductive, in the axial extension of the cylindrical body, the part of which the part closest to the body, called the front part, is adapted to be crimped around the core of the cable, while the part farthest from the body, called the rear part, is adapted to be crimped around the insulating sheath and/or the where appropriate around the shielding braid, the front and rear crimping parts being of different constituent material and/or thickness.

According to one embodiment, the front and rear crimping parts being of different constituent material and joined by an electrically conductive or insulating junction. It is thus possible to differentiate the nature of the materials according to the part of a cable to be crimped: the core being directly subjected to the passage of current, in particular of power, the front part of crimping can be in a material of high conductivity, while that the metal braid only serving as electromagnetic shielding, the rear crimping part can be made of a material of lower conductivity. It is also possible to provide an electrically insulating rear part.

In other words, it is possible to produce a rear crimping part of smaller thickness and/or less conductivity for low currents and for crimping over a larger diameter, its mechanical characteristics can be adapted as desired. It is therefore possible to select the materials or thicknesses according to their mechanical and electrical properties for each crimping part independently and thus reduce costs.

Preferably, the junction is formed by riveting, clinching, brazing or welding or gluing.

Advantageously, the rear crimping part is continuous.

According to an advantageous embodiment, each of the two crimping parts comprises at least one receiving barrel and at least one crimping fin connected to the barrel, the barrel of the front crimping part being intended to receive the core of the cable while the barrel of the rear crimping part is intended to receive the insulating sheath and/or the braid of the cable.

According to an advantageous variant embodiment, the rear crimping part comprises at least one crimping fin adapted to be crimped around the outer and/or inner insulation sheath of the insulated cable or around a seal fitted around the outer sheath of the insulated cable.

According to this variant, the rear crimping part advantageously comprises at least one crimping fin adapted to be crimped around the shielding braid of the cable.

Preferably, the preassembled central contact comprises an electrically insulating part in which the electrically conductive body is housed.

The invention also relates to a coil for the automatic or semi-automatic assembly by crimping of a connector to a cable, comprising a plurality of sub-assemblies according to the second alternative of the invention as above, mechanically connected together by at least one carrying strip and wound around a mandrel.

Advantageously, the carrier strip is mechanically connected or integrated into the front or rear crimping part or, where appropriate, connected to the junction between the front and rear parts.

Advantageously again, the carrier strip is pierced with a plurality of guide holes to guide the carrier strip during the scrolling of the reel.

• i2/ fourniture d'un câble blindé et isolé, le(s) fil(s) conducteur(s) et la tresse de blindage étant dénudés à une extrémité du câble;
• ii2/ fourniture d'un sous-ensemble comme ci-avant, de préférence à partir d'une bobine décrite ci-avant;
• iii2/ positionnement du câble dans le sous-ensemble préassemblé de sorte que la partie dénudée du(des) fil(s) conducteur(s) vienne se loger dans la partie avant de sertissage du contact central préassemblé et que la partie dénudée de la tresse de blindage vienne se loger dans la partie arrière de sertissage du sous-ensemble;
• iv2/ sertissage de la partie avant de sertissage du contact central préassemblé sur le(les) fil(s) conducteur(s) et, de préférence simultanément, de la partie arrière de sertissage du contact central préassemblé sur la tresse de blindage, de sorte à obtenir un contact unitaire préassemblé avec le câble.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling at least one connector to a cable comprising the following steps:

• i2/ supply of a shielded and insulated cable, the conductive wire(s) and the shielding braid being stripped at one end of the cable;
• ii2/ supply of a sub-assembly as above, preferably from a coil described above;
• iii2/ positioning of the cable in the pre-assembled sub-assembly so that the stripped part of the conductor wire(s) is housed in the front crimping part of the pre-assembled central contact and the stripped part of the braid of shielding is housed in the rear crimping part of the sub-assembly;
• iv2/ crimping the front crimping part of the pre-assembled central contact on the conductive wire(s) and, preferably simultaneously, the rear crimping part of the pre-assembled central contact on the shielding braid, so to obtain a unitary contact preassembled with the cable.

Advantageously, the method comprises, when step ii2/ is carried out from the reel, a step iii′2/ of cutting out the carrier strip, if necessary simultaneously with step iii2/ of positioning the cable.

Step iii′2/ is preferably mechanical cutting of the carrier strip by means of a blade or mechanical shear cutting or laser cutting.

According to a variant embodiment, step iv2/ is carried out with at least part of the pre-assembled sub-assembly placed on a crimping support.

According to an advantageous variant, step i2/ further comprises the supply of a seal fitted around the outer or inner sheath of the cable, step iv2/ further comprising the crimping of the rear part of the sub- together, preferably simultaneously with its crimping on the shielding braid, on the seal.

Another subject of the invention is a wired unitary contact, if necessary shielded, obtained by the process described above.

Thus, the invention according to the second alternative consists in the first place in defining a preassembled connector sub-assembly which integrates front and rear crimping parts with different electrical and/or mechanical characteristics, and which is ready to be crimped directly to a shielded and insulated cable, prepared beforehand, which makes it possible to minimize the assembly stages and the associated risks such as those linked to the process of threading multitudes of components according to the state of the art.

• la fabrication d'un sous-ensemble de connecteur, de préférence au sein d'une bobine continue, prêt à être assemblé par sertissage à un câble en une seule étape compatible avec la mise en œuvre d'outils de sertissage robustes (mâchoires surdimensionnées par rapport à l'état de l'art) ;
• un assemblage qui permet l'intégration aisée d'une fonction d'étanchéité par contact unitaire au sein d'un connecteur monovoie ou par connecteur multivoies ;
• un assemblage qui laisse la possibilité d'une modularité des fonctions de blindage électromagnétiques au niveau d'un contact unitaire ou au niveau d'un connecteur multivoies du contact ;
• un assemblage aisé à mettre en œuvre en automatique.

The advantages of the invention according to both the first and the second alternatives are numerous compared to the existing one, among which we can mention:

• the manufacture of a connector subassembly, preferably within a continuous coil, ready to be assembled by crimping to a cable in a single step compatible with the implementation of robust crimping tools (oversized jaws by report on the state of the art);
• an assembly which allows the easy integration of a sealing function by unitary contact within a single-channel connector or by multi-channel connector;
• an assembly which leaves the possibility of modularity of the electromagnetic shielding functions at the level of a single contact or at the level of a multiway connector of the contact;
• easy assembly to implement automatically.

Furthermore, compared to the first alternative, the advantages of the solution according to the second alternative of the invention are the space saving and the possibility of using less metallic material during continuous assembly, due to the implementation of a simple carrier strip, and due to a pitch between two successive preassembled subassemblies reduced, and therefore a lower cost.

The applications envisaged for the invention are numerous, among which mention may be made of electrical power connections in hybrid or electric motor vehicles.

More generally, the invention can be declined for different applications and cable diameters (from 6kW to about 300kW).

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge better on reading the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of non-limiting illustration with reference to the following figures.

Brief description of the drawings

• [ Fig 1 ] the figure 1 represents an example of shielded and insulated cable used in electric vehicles.
• [ Fig 2A], [Fig 2B ], [ Fig 2C], [Fig 2D ], [ Fig 2E ], [ Fig 2F ] them Figures 2A, 2B , 2C, 2D , 2E , 2 F are perspective views showing different stages of assembly of a sub-assembly preassembled connector according to a first alternative of the invention incorporating a one-piece blank.
• [ Fig.3 ] the picture 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of contiguous connector subassemblies obtained according to the figures 2A to 2F , ready to be assembled with shielded and insulated cable.
• [ Fig 4 ] the figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a coil forming an assembly kit ready to be used on an assembly line with cable with sub-assemblies according to the first alternative.
• [ Fig 5A ], [ Fig 5B], [Fig 5C ] them figure 5A , 5B, 5C are perspective views showing the various stages of preparation of a shielded and insulated cable before its assembly by crimping with a preassembled connector subassembly according to the first alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig 6A], [Fig 6B ], [ Fig 6C], [Fig 6D ], [ Fig 6E ], [ Fig 6F ] them Figures 2A, 2B , 2C, 2D , 2E , 2 F are perspective views showing the different assembly steps of a preassembled connector subassembly according to the first alternative of the invention with a shielded and insulated cable prepared according to the figures 5A to 5C , in order to obtain a single shielded and wired contact.
• [ Fig 7A], [Fig 7B ], [ Fig 7C], [Fig 7D ] them Figures 7A, 7B , 7C, 7D are perspective views showing the different stages of an assembly mode of a two-way connector integrating two unit contacts shielded and wired according to the figure 6F .
• [ Fig.8 ] the figure 8 is a perspective view showing the two-way connector obtained at the end of the step of figure 7D .
• [ Fig 9A] and [Fig 9B ] them figures 9A and 9B are perspective views of a first embodiment variant of a one-piece blank for assembly by crimping according to the first alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig. 10 ] the figure 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment variant of a one-piece blank for assembly by crimping according to the first alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig.11 ] the figure 11 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of a one-piece blank for assembly by crimping according to the first alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig 12A], [Fig 12B ], [ Fig 12C], [Fig 12D ], [ Fig 12E ], [ Fig 12F], [Fig 12G], [Fig 12H ] them Figures 12A, 12B , 12C, 12D , 12E , 12F, 12G, 12H are perspective views showing the different steps of an alternative method of assembling a two-way connector integrating two shielded and wired individual contacts obtained from a subassembly according to the first alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig. 13 ] the figure 13 is a perspective view showing a step of another alternative method of assembling a two-way connector integrating two wired individual contacts obtained from a subassembly according to the first alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig. 14 ] the figure 14 is a view of an alternative embodiment of a two-way connector housing according to the first alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig 15A ] and [ Fig. 15B ] them figures 15A and 15B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a connector subassembly according to the first alternative of the invention by clipping a one-piece blank to an electrical insulating part housing a preassembled central contact.
• [ Fig 16A] and [Fig 16B ] them figures 16A and 16B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a connector sub-assembly according to the first alternative of the invention by force fitting with harpooning of a one-piece blank to an electrical insulating part housing a preassembled central contact.
• [ Fig 17A] and [Fig 17B ] them figures 17A and 17B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a connector subassembly according to the first alternative of the invention by overmolding an electrical insulating part.
• [ Fig 18A ], [ Fig 18B], [Fig 18C], [Fig 18D ], [ Fig 18E], [Fig 18F ], them figure 18A , 18B, 18C, 18D , 18E, 18F are perspective views showing different stages of assembly of a preassembled connector subassembly according to the second alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig. 19 ] the figure 19 is a perspective view of a plurality of adjacent connector subassemblies obtained according to the figures 18A to 18F , ready to be assembled with shielded and insulated cable.
• [ Fig. 20 ] the figure 20 is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the figure 19 .
• [ Fig. 21 ] the figure 21 is a perspective view showing the carrier strip connecting the crimp end of a plurality of adjacent connector subassemblies as shown in figure 19 or 20 .
• [ Fig. 22 ] the figure 22 a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the figure 21 .
• [ Fig. 23 ] the figure 23 is a perspective view of an example of the second alternative reel of the invention comprising a plurality of assembly kits ready for use on a cable assembly line.
• [ Fig 24A], [Fig 24B], [Fig 24C ] them Figures 24A, 24B, 24C are perspective views showing the various stages of preparation of a shielded and insulated cable before its assembly by crimping with a preassembled connector subassembly according to the second alternative of the invention.
• [ Fig 25A], [Fig 25B ], [ Fig 25C], [Fig 25D ], [ Fig. 25E ] them Figures 25A, 25B , 25C, 25D , 25E are perspective views showing the different assembly steps of a preassembled connector subassembly according to the second alternative of the invention with a shielded and insulated cable prepared according to the figures 24A to 24C , in order to obtain a single shielded and wired contact.
• [ Fig 25F], [Fig 25G ] The figures 25F and 25G are perspective views of a preassembled connector subassembly according to the second alternative of the invention, crimped on the cable and partially or completely inserted into the insulation.
• [ Fig 25H ] The figure 25H is a perspective view of a shielded wired unitary contact according to the second alternative of the invention.

Throughout this application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "low", "high", "below" and "above" are to be understood by reference by relative to a one-piece blank, a connector sub-assembly and an electrical connector according to the invention in a configuration arranged horizontally.

Likewise, the terms “front” and “rear” are to be understood with respect to the connection face of an electrical connector according to the invention. Thus, the front crimping part of a one-piece blank is the one intended to be crimped to the front of a connector while the rear part is the one intended to be crimped to the rear of the connector by which the shielded cable is positioned. .

For the sake of clarity, the same numerical reference is used for the same element according to the first and according to the second alternatives of the invention.

We represented on the figure 1 an example of shielded and insulated power cable, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, intended to be assembled with a connector subassembly according to the invention.

The cable 1 comprises one or more electrical conductors 10, of large section and insulated from the outside by an outer sheath 11 of electrically insulating material.

The cable 1 also comprises a metal braid 12 for electromagnetic shielding surrounding the conductor(s) 10 and insulated therefrom by an inner sheath 13 of electrically insulating material.

If necessary, the cable 1 can comprise a metal tape or a metal/plastic composite material 14 which has the advantage of having excellent electromagnetic coverage, typically of the order of 100%.

We now describe with reference to figures 2A to 2F , the various assembly steps of a preassembled connector subassembly according to a first alternative of the invention.

Step 1/ : A central contact 2 is preassembled. To do this, a part forming a socket 21 with petals, made of electrically conductive material, is fitted and crimped in a cylindrical body 20, electrically conductive ( Figures 2A, 2B ). The crimping operation can be replaced by a snapping operation. The sleeve 21 is extended at the rear by a generally U-shaped crimping part comprising a receiving barrel 22 and two crimping fins 23 connected to the barrel 22, preferably being symmetrical on either side of the barrel.

Step 2/ : The pre-assembled central contact 2 is then fitted and fixed in an electrical insulating part 3. More precisely, this assembly is made so as to have the cylindrical body 20 completely housed and fixed inside a cylindrical body 30 electrical insulator and the crimping part 22, 23 which protrudes at the rear of the insulating body 30, delimited by a cylindrical support portion 31, as detailed below ( figures 2C, 2D ).

Step 3/: A one-piece metal blank 5 is provided for assembly by crimping ( figure 2E ). The assembly can also be carried out by a force fitting or clipping or overmolding technique, as detailed below. This metal blank is produced by a cut-out technique, preferably rolled from a continuous strip.

This one-piece blank 5 firstly comprises a peripheral strip 50 forming a perforated support which extends along a longitudinal axis X and which has in the example illustrated overall the shape of a rectangular frame.

Two respectively front and rear crimping parts 51, 52 each extend along the longitudinal axis X while being separated from each other, and are held to the support 50 by at least one blade 53, 54 forming a attached. These fasteners can also be found along the longitudinal axis X. In the example shown, two lateral fasteners 53, 54 are provided which extend on either side of each of the crimping parts 51, 52. These side fasteners 53, 54 have the function of holding the crimping parts 51, 52 once the connector sub-assembly has been produced.

The front crimping part 51 comprising a receiving barrel 56 and at least one crimping fin 57 connected to the barrel 56 and intended to receive and to be crimped around the electrical insulating part 3 housing the preassembled central contact 2. In the example illustrated, there are two crimping fins 57 connected to the barrel 56, preferably facing each other on either side of the barrel 56.

The rear crimping part 52 comprising a receiving barrel 58 and at least one crimping fin 59 connected to the barrel 58 adapted to be crimped around the shielding braid 12 of the insulated cable 1. The rear crimping part also comprises at least one crimping fin 59.2 adapted to be crimped around a seal 7. In the case where sealing is not required, the seal is not necessary and the crimping fin is directly crimped around the outer sheath of the cable.

In the example illustrated, there are two pairs of crimping fins 59.1, 59.2 connected to the barrel 58, preferably facing each other on either side of the barrel 58.

Preferably, the rear crimping part 52 is continuous to guarantee electrical ground continuity.

The one-piece blank 5 further comprises a support blade 55, connected to the support 50 and which extends inside the latter between the two crimping parts 51, 52 so as to form a support zone for the electrical insulating part 3.

In the example illustrated, the support strip 55 is continuous from one longitudinal edge to the other of the support 50. The central portion of the support strip 55 is shaped as a cylinder portion complementary to the support portion 31. It can be in the form of a blade, one end of which is connected to a longitudinal edge of the support 50 and the free end serves as a support for the portion 31 of the electrical insulator 3.

The arrangement of the front and rear crimping parts 51, 52, of the various fasteners 53, 54 and of the support blade 55 relative to the preferably flat support 50 defines empty spaces (V) or openings between and around the parts of crimping. These empty spaces (V) make it possible to pass crimping jaws dimensioned to be robust, and therefore to crimp cables 1 of large section, in particular power cables.

Step 4/ : Position the electrical insulator 3 in the front crimping part 51 of the blank 5 ( figure 2E ). More precisely, the positioning is carried out so that the body 30 of the insulator 3 comes to marry the crimping barrel 56 and the cylindrical portion 31 comes to bear against the support blade 55.

The crimping fins 57 are then folded around the cylindrical body 30. The electrical insulator 3 is then crimped in the one-piece blank 5, which forms a connector sub-assembly 6 intended for assembly by crimping with a cable 1 ( figure 2F ).

For the purposes of automation and ease of continuous assembly, it is possible to produce a continuous strip of a plurality of unitary sub-assemblies 6.1 to 6.5 which are joined by one of the longitudinal edges of their supports 50 ( picture 3 ).

To further optimize the assembly, for purposes of compactness, storage and easy transport, the continuous strip can take the form of a continuous reel 60 wound around a chuck ( figure 4 ). This coil 60 can be made entirely in an assembly unit independent of an assembly unit with a cable 1.

We now describe with reference to figures 5A to 5C , the various stages of preparation of a shielded and insulated cable 1 according to the invention.

Step 1/: The outer sheath 11 and the inner sheath 13 are respectively pre-stripped to reveal the conductor(s) 10 and the metal braid 12 over a predetermined length ( figure 5A ).

Step 2/: A seal 7 is fitted around the outer sheath 11 of the cable 1 ( figure 5B ). According to a variant, this step 2/ can take place before step 1/ to avoid any potential damage to the metal braid.

Step 3/: Remove the bare part of the inner sheath 13 of the cable 1 ( Fig. 5C ).

We now describe with reference to figures 6A to 6F the various assembly steps of a preassembled connector subassembly 6 according to the first alternative with a shielded and insulated cable, in order to obtain a single shielded and wired contact 9.

Step 11/ : A cable 1 prepared according to the figures 5A to 5C .

Step ii/ : A sub-assembly 6 is supplied from a blank from the reel 60.

Step iii1/ : The cable 1 is positioned in the sub-assembly 6 so that the stripped part 10 of the conductive wire(s) 1 is housed in the crimping part 22, 23 of the preassembled central contact 2 and that the stripped part of the shielding braid 12 and the seal 7 comes to be housed in the barrel 58 of the rear crimping part 52 of the sub-assembly 6 ( Figure 6A ).

Step ivl/: The crimping is carried out simultaneously, by means of a tool of the jaw-anvil type (M), inserted into the openings or empty spaces (V) between the support 50 and the fastener(s) 53 , 54 and the support blade(s) 55, on the one hand of the crimping part 22, 23 of the central contact preassembled on the conductive wire(s) 10 and, on the other hand, on the other hand, of the rear crimping part 52 of the sub-assembly on the shielding braid 12 and on the seal 7 ( figure 6B ). Thus, the robust jaws M simultaneously fold the pair of crimping fins 23 around the conductor(s) 10 and each of the two pairs of crimping fins 59.1 and 59.2 respectively around the metallic shielding braid 12 and gasket seal 7.

Step v1/: The cutting is then carried out either mechanically by means of a blade or by laser of the fasteners 53, 54 ( Fig. 6C ).

Step vii/: The central contact 2 is then fitted around the conductive wire(s) 10 in the insulating part 3 to obtain their final assembly by snap-fastening ( figure 6D ).

Step viil/ : A shielding casing 8 is fitted and snapped around both the electrical insulation and the crimped front part 51, so as to obtain a unitary shielded contact 9 ( figures 6E and 6F ).

The latching is such that the shielding casing 8 is in rear abutment against the front of the seal 7. The casing 8 is finally crimped at the level of the crimping of the fins 59.2 and the barrel of the seal 7, which provides electrical continuity between the shielding braid of the cable, the shaft 58 of the support and the shielding casing 8. The shielding efficiency is then guaranteed.

We now describe with reference to figures 7A to 7D assembling a two-way connector 100 from two individual connectors 9.1, 9.2 obtained at the end of step vii1/.

Step VIII/: the two individual connectors 9.1, 9.2 are mounted in a one-piece connector housing 90 up to their front abutment in the housing ( Figures 7A, 7B ). The contacts are snapped into housing 90.

Step ix1/ : The forces of the cable are taken up and the two unit contacts 9.1, 9.2 are protected by fixing two retention flanges 91, 92 to the rear of the housing 90 of the connector ( Figures 7C, 7D ).

The front of the 100 two-way connector as it is finally assembled is shown in figure 8 . The connector 100 obtained therefore has individualized electromagnetic shielding by unitary contact 9.1, 9.2 and an overall fluid seal at the level of the housing 90.

Different variants can be envisaged for the fasteners 53, 54 respectively of the front and rear crimping parts 51, 52 of the one-piece blank 5 according to the first alternative of the invention.

It is also possible to provide a pair of additional crimping fins 59.3 to be crimped on the back of the insulation of the component.

The crimping parts 51, 52 are raised relative to the plane of the support frame 50. This allows the cable to be inserted without being hindered by this support frame 50.

Conversely, it is possible to provide only fasteners 53, 54, preferably in pairs, for each of the parts 51, 52 which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis X ( figure 10 ). These lateral attachments 53, 54 allow the crimping parts 51, 52 to be held with better stability.

It is also possible to combine longitudinal and lateral attachments 53, 54 ( figure 11 ).

The figures 12A to 12G show the different steps of an alternative method of assembling a two-way connector 100 integrating two wired individual contacts obtained from a subassembly according to the first alternative of the invention.

We do not describe here the steps i1/ to v1/ which remain identical to those previously described except that the seal 7 is fitted around the inner sheath 13 between the shielding braid and the crimping zone of the central contact , a pair of crimping fins 59.2 then being folded down beforehand around the joint 7 ( Figures 12A, 12B ). A single contact 9' is thus obtained. At the end of this step, the unitary contact 9' is not shielded.

Step vii'1/: The mounting of at least one shielding envelope 80 surrounding the rear part 52 is then carried out with the fins 59.1, 59.2, 59.3 crimped ( Figures 12C, 12D ) then that of a shielding envelope 81 surrounding both the electrical insulating part 3 and the crimped front part 51 ( figures 12E , 12F ), so as to obtain a unitary shielded contact 9.

Stage viii'1/: Two half-shells 93, 94 of the interface box are then mounted around two individual shielded contacts 9.1, 9.2 according to stage vii'1/( figure 12G ).

The connector 100 obtained according to this alternative mode and represented on the picture 12H therefore has individualized electromagnetic shielding per unitary contact 9.1, 9.2 and also individualized fluid sealing per unitary contact 9.1, 9.2. shielding electromagnetic of this connector can be more efficient than that obtained with individual contacts 9 represented in figure 6F .

The figure 13 represents an alternative mode of connector 100 from unitary unshielded contacts 9'1, 9'2 like that 9' illustrated in figure 12B , obtained from a subset according to the first alternative of the invention.

Steps i1/ to v1/ are not described here, which remain identical to those previously described except that the seal 7 is fitted around the inner sheath 13, a pair of crimping fins 59.2 then being folded over beforehand around joint 7 ( figures 12A and 12B ).

Step vi"1 /: The central contact crimped around the conductive wire(s) is fitted into the electrical insulating part (3) to obtain their final assembly and the fins 59.3 are crimped on the insulator 3 to maintain the whole.

Step vii" 1/ : Two shielding half-shells 82, 83 are mounted covering both the electrical insulating part 3 and the crimped front part 51 as well as the crimped fins 59.3, 59.2 and 59.1 ( figure 13 ).

Stage viii"1/: Two half-shells 93, 94 of the interface box are assembled around the unshielded contacts 9'1, 9'2 according to stage vii"1/.

In this mode, two support half-shells 95, 96 can be inserted, each inserted between the two unitary contacts 9'1, 9'2 and a shielding half-shell 82, 83 ( figure 13 ) to withstand and take up the forces which may be exerted on the sub-assemblies 9 .

The connector 100 obtained according to this other alternative mode therefore has overall electromagnetic shielding for the two unitary contacts 9'1, 9'2 and individualized fluid sealing per unitary contact 9'1, 9'2.

The figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment of a two-way connector housing.

Projecting reliefs 930 can be integrated inside the case to support the front of the sub-assembly 9′ typically resting against the crimped fins 57 or shaft 56. These positioning reliefs replace the support half-shells 95, 96.

One or more metallic reliefs 831 can also be integrated into shields 82 and 83 to ensure electrical continuity with the shield(s) of contact(s) 9'1, 9'2.

If in the preceding figures, the one-piece metal blank 5 according to the first alternative of the invention is produced by a technique of cutting, preferably rolled from a continuous strip and then assembled by crimping to the subassembly consisting of a central contact 2 preassembled in an electrically insulating part 3, it is also possible to consider other techniques for producing a connector subassembly.

For example, it is possible to assemble a one-piece metal blank 5' by clipping the electrical insulating part 3 housing the pre-assembled central contact 2, in the flat support 50 ( figures 15A , 15B ). To do this, the fasteners 53 of the front part 51 are each provided at their free end with a flexible hook 531 which snaps into an eyelet 32 projecting from the periphery of the electrical insulating body 30.

Alternatively, provision may be made to assemble a one-piece 5" metal blank by force mounting with harpooning of the electrical insulating part 3 housing the preassembled central contact 2, in the support 50 plane ( Figures 16A, 16B ). To do this, the fasteners 53 of the front part 51 are each provided at their free end with a harpoon 532 which is harpooned in an eyelet 32 projecting from the periphery of the electrical insulating body 30.

Alternatively, it is possible to assemble a one-piece metal blank 5"' by overmolding the electrical insulating part 3 housing the preassembled central contact 2, on the support 50 plane ( Figures 17A, 17B ). To do this, the fasteners 53 of the front part 51 are each provided at their free end with a molding support 533 on which the periphery of the electrical insulating body 30 is molded.

We now describe with reference to figures 18A to 18F , the various assembly steps of a preassembled connector subassembly according to a second alternative of the invention.

Step 1/ : A central contact 2 is preassembled. To do this, a part forming a socket 21 with petals, made of electrically conductive material, is fitted and crimped in a cylindrical body 20, electrically conductive ( figure 18A , 18B ). The crimping operation can be replaced by a snapping operation.

The sleeve 21 is extended at the rear by a generally U-shaped front crimping part comprising a receiving barrel 22 and two crimping fins 23 connected to the barrel 22, preferably being symmetrical on either side of the barrel . These crimping fins 23 are intended to receive and to be crimped around the conductor(s) 10 of the cable 1.

A protrusion of material 24 is provided in the rear extension of the receiving barrel 22. This protrusion of material 24 forms an assembly junction part, as detailed below.

Step 2/ : A metal crimp rear part 4 is provided for assembly with the central contact sub-assembly 2 ( Fig. 18C ).

This crimping part 4 is made by a cut-out technique, preferably rolled from a continuous strip. Advantageously, the material and/or the thickness of this rear crimping part 4 is different from that of the sleeve 21.

This rear crimping part 4 comprising a receiving barrel 40 and at least one crimping fin 41 connected to the barrel 40 adapted to be crimped around the shield braid 12 of the insulated cable 1.

The rear crimping part 4 also comprises at least one crimping fin 42 adapted to be crimped around a seal 7. In the case where the seal is not required, the seal is not necessary and the crimping fin 42 is crimped directly around the outer sheath of the cable.

Preferably, the rear crimping part 4 is continuous to guarantee electrical ground continuity.

This rear crimping part 4 further comprises a protrusion of material 43 provided in the front extension of the receiving barrel 40.

Step 3/ : Position the rear crimping part 4 opposite the front crimping part 22, 23 formed in the sleeve 21 ( Fig. 18C ). More precisely, the positioning is carried out so that the two protrusions of material 24, 43 are in contact with each other.

These projections 24, 43 are then welded together in order to produce the assembly.

The assembly can also be carried out by a technique of riveting, clinching, brazing or gluing between the two protrusions 24, 43 to be adapted according to the technique chosen.

A 2′ subset is obtained here.

Step 4/: We then fit and fix the central contact 2 of the sub-assembly 2′ preassembled in an electrical insulating part 3 ( figure 18D ) . More specifically, this assembly is made so as to have the cylindrical body 20 completely housed and fixed inside a cylindrical body 30 electrically insulating and the crimping part 22, 23 which projects at the rear of the insulating body 30 , delimited by a cylindrical bearing portion 31, as detailed below ( Figure 18E ).

This step 4/ of adding an electrical insulating part is optional. It can also occur after stage 1/ or stage 2/.

A pre-assembled connector sub-assembly 6' is then ready.

For the purposes of automation and ease of continuous assembly, a continuous carrier strip 44 can be produced from a plurality of unitary sub-assemblies 2'1 to 2'5 or 6'1 to 6'5 which are adjacent and therefore mechanically connected to each other by this carrier strip 44 ( figures 19, 20 ).

The width L, which defines the pitch between two adjacent sub-assemblies 6' or 2', can be adjusted as needed. By decreasing it, the density of the sub-assemblies in the coil is increased, that is to say the number of sub-assemblies that the same coil 61 can carry.

Several positions of the carrier strip 44, also called edge strip, are possible.

For example, as shown in figure 19 , the carrier strip 44 can be arranged outside each unitary sub-assembly 6' and secured to the rear crimping part 4.

It can also be arranged between the front 22, 23 and rear crimping parts 4, preferably at the level of the assembly junction between the protrusions of material 24, 43 ( figure 20 ).

It can also be fixed to the front crimping part 22, 23. It can also be fixed to an element outside the front and rear crimping parts.

• permettre de faire avancer la bande 44 avec précision ;
• permettre, lors des étapes suivantes de découpe ou de roulage de positionner le sous-ensemble 2' ou 6' sur les outils de roulage ou de découpe ;
• permettre lors d'une opération d'assemblage entre deux bandes 44 de guider et de faire avancer et positionner ces dernières ;
• permettre de tracter puis maintenir et positionner la bande 44 pendant une opération de sertissage ;
• faciliter la mise en bobine.

For the running of the carrier strip 44 during a continuous assembly, there is advantageously provided at least one guide or pilot hole 45 of this strip. Preferably, at least one guide hole 45 is opposite each sub-assembly 5. These guide holes 45 have several functions, as follows:

• allow the strip 44 to be advanced with precision;
• allow, during the following cutting or rolling steps, to position the sub-assembly 2' or 6' on the rolling or cutting tools;
• allow during an assembly operation between two strips 44 to guide and advance and position the latter;
• make it possible to tow then hold and position the strip 44 during a crimping operation;
• facilitate spooling.

As shown in figure 21 in connection with the variant where the carrier strip 44 is integral with the rear crimping part 4, outside the sub-assembly 5, a pilot hole 45 is drilled directly opposite the barrel 40.

Additional holes 45 may be drilled at other locations in carrier strip 44 ( figure 22 ).

To further optimize the assembly, for purposes of compactness, storage and easy transport, the continuous strip can take the form of a continuous reel 61 wound around a mandrel ( figure 23 ). This coil 61 can be made entirely in an assembly unit independent of an assembly unit with a cable 1.

We now describe with reference to figures 24A to 24C , the various stages of preparation of a shielded and insulated cable 1 according to the invention.

Step 1/: A seal 7 is fitted around the outer sheath 11 of the cable 1 ( figure 24A ) to avoid any potential damage to the metal braid 12, the conductor(s) 10 or the seal 7 itself.

Step 2/: The outer sheath 11, the inner sheath 13 are respectively pre-stripped to reveal the conductor(s) 10 and the metal braid 12 over a predetermined length ( figure 24B ). Alternatively, step 2/ can be performed before step 1/.

Step 3/: Remove the bare part of the inner sheath 13 of the cable 1 ( figure 24C ).

We now describe with reference to figures 25A to 25H the different stages of assembly of a pre-assembled 2' or 6' sub-assembly with a shielded and insulated cable, in order to obtain a single shielded and wired contact 9.

Step i2/: A cable 1 prepared according to the figures 24A to 24C .

Step ii2/: A pre-assembled sub-assembly 2' or 6' secured to the coil 61 is provided by the carrier strip 44 which is placed on a crimping support S.

The crimping support S supports at least the barrel 22 and 40 of the front and rear crimping parts and preferably also the cylindrical body 30 electrically insulating ( figure 25A ). This crimping support S advantageously has cylindrical portions which hug the barrels 22, 40 of the front and rear crimping parts respectively of the preassembled sub-assembly 2' or 5.

A mechanical cutting tool D for the carrier strip 44 is positioned around the latter ( figure 25A ).

Step iii2/ : The cable 1 provided with the seal 7 is positioned in the sub-assembly 2′ or 6′ so that the stripped part 10 of the conductive wire(s) 1 comes to be housed in the front part crimping 22, 23 of the pre-assembled central contact 2' or 6' and that the stripped part of the shielding braid 12 and the seal 7 come to be housed in the barrel 40 of the rear crimping part 4 of the sub-assembly 2' or 6' ( figure 25B ).

Step iii′2/: The jaws M are brought as close as possible, preferably in contact with the crimping fins 23, 41, 42, in order to avoid their rotation when cutting the carrier strip. Then the carrying strip 44 is cut, which is obtained by shearing by lowering the cutting tool D (arrow of the figure 25C ), once the cable has been positioned.

Step iv2/ : The crimping is then carried out, by means of a tool of the crimping jaw-support type (M/S), on the one hand of the front crimping part 22, 23 of the central contact preassembled on the ) wire(s) conductor(s) 10 and, on the other hand, of the rear part of crimping 4 of the sub-assembly on the shielding braid 12 and on the seal 7 ( figure 25D ).

Thus, the jaws M simultaneously fold the pair of crimping fins 23 around the conductor(s) 10 and each of the two pairs of crimping fins 41 and 42 respectively around the metallic shielding braid 12 and the seal 7. The crimping jaws M are advantageously sized to be robust, and therefore crimp cables 1 of large section, in particular power cables.

Once the crimping has been completed, the crimping jaws M are removed and the unitary contact 9′ crimped on the cable only has to be removed from the crimping support S ( Figures 25E, 25F ).

Step v2/ : To finalize the wired unitary contact 9', the electrical insulating part 3 is pushed into its final position of use ( Figure 25G ).

Step vi2/ : The mounting of at least one shielding envelope 8 surrounding both the electrical insulating part 3 and the crimped parts is then carried out, so as to obtain a unitary shielded contact 9 ( figures 25H ).

From this unitary shielded contact 9, it is possible to produce multi-way connectors as according to the variants described in relation to the figures 12G and 12H where the figures 13 and 14 .

Other variants and improvements may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the illustrated examples of the invention, the central contact 2 is of the female type and is made from two separate parts 20 and 21. It is possible to envisage making a central contact of the male type and a central contact in a single piece.

Claims (19)

One-piece metallic blank (5, 5', 5", 5‴) for assembly by crimping of a connector (100) to a cable (1), comprising: - a peripheral strip (50) forming a support which extends along a longitudinal axis (X); - at least two aligned parts (51, 52) which each extend along the longitudinal axis (X) while being separated from each other, each of the two parts being held to the support by at least one blade (53, 54) forming a clip, the front part (51) is a crimping, clipping, force-fitting by harpooning or overmolding part, adapted to receive and hold respectively by crimping, clipping, force-fitting by harpooning or overmoulding an electrical component of the connector (100), while the rear part (52), preferably continuous, is a crimping part on the cable (1), comprising openings (V) intended to ensure the passage of jaws ( M) crimping. One-piece blank (5, 5', 5", 5‴) according to claim 1, the front part being a crimping part. One-piece blank (5, 5', 5", 5"') according to claim 2, each of the two crimping parts (51, 52) comprising a receiving barrel (56, 58) and at least one crimping fin (57 , 59) connected to the shaft, one of the shafts being intended to receive the electrical component (3, 2) of the connector. One-piece blank (5, 5', 5", 5‴) according to claim 3, the front crimping part (51) comprising at least one crimping fin (57) adapted to be crimped around the electrical component, preferably around an electrically insulating part (3) housing a preassembled central contact (2). One-piece blank (5, 5', 5", 5‴) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, the rear crimping part (52) comprising at least one crimping fin (59) adapted to be crimped around the braid shield (12) of the insulated cable (1), and preferably comprising at least one crimping fin (59) adapted to be crimped around the outer (11) and/or inner (13) insulation sheath of the insulated cable or around a seal (7) fitted around the outer sheath of the insulated cable. One-piece blank (5, 5′, 5ʺ, 5‴) according to one of the preceding claims, each of the two parts being held to the support by at least one fastener (53, 54) which extends along the longitudinal axis (X ) and/or laterally to it. Connector sub-assembly (6), comprising: - an electrical component comprising a pre-assembled central contact (2), if necessary, housed in an electrical insulating part (3), the electrical component comprising at least one crimping part (22, 23), - a one-piece blank (5, 5', 5", 5‴) according to one of the preceding claims, one (51) of the two parts of which receives the electrical component (3, 2), preferably crimped onto the one-piece blank (5) by said part (51). Reel (60) for the automatic or semi-automatic assembly by crimping of a connector (100) to a cable (1), comprising a plurality of sub-assemblies (6) according to claim 7, joined by one edge of the supports blanks and wrapped around a mandrel. Method of assembling at least one connector (100) to a cable (1), comprising the following steps: i1/ supply of a shielded and insulated cable (1), the conductive wire(s) and the shielding braid (12) being stripped at one end of the cable; ii1/ supply of a subassembly (6) according to claim 7, preferably from a coil (60) according to claim 8; iii1/ positioning of the cable (1) in the sub-assembly (6) so that the stripped part of the conductive wire(s) (10) is housed in the crimping part (22, 23) of the preassembled central contact and that the stripped part of the shielding braid (12) comes to be housed in the rear crimping part (52) of the subassembly which is separated from the central contact; iv1/ crimping, by means of a jaw-anvil type crimping tool (M), inserted in the openings (V) between support (50) and fastener(s) (53, 54), of the crimping part ( 22, 23) of the central contact preassembled on the conductive wire(s) (10) and, preferably simultaneously, of the rear crimping part (52) of the subassembly on the shielding braid (12 ); v1/ cutting of the clip(s) (53, 54), preferably by mechanical cutting using a blade or by mechanical shear cutting or by laser cutting, so as to obtain a preassembled unitary contact ( 9, 9') with the cable, step i1/ preferably further comprising the provision of a seal (7) fitted around the outer (11) or inner (13) sheath of the cable, step iv1/ preferably further comprising the crimping of the rear part (52) of the sub-assembly, preferably simultaneously with its crimping on the shielding braid, on the seal (7). Method according to claim 9, comprising after step v1/ of cutting, the following step:
vi1/fitting of the central contact crimped around the conductive wire(s) in the electrical insulating part (3) to obtain their final assembly. Method according to claim 10, comprising, after step vi1/, when the seal (7) is fitted around the outer sheath (11) of the cable (1), the following steps: viil/ assembly by snap-fitting of at least one shielding casing (8) surrounding both the electrical insulating part and the front part (51), so as to obtain a unitary shielded contact (9); viiil/ mounting of at least one wired unitary contact (9) shielded according to step vii/, in a one-piece connector housing (90), preferably with maintenance of the unitary contact by retention flanges (91, 92) at the back of the connector. Method according to claim 10, comprising, after step vi1/, when the seal is fitted around the inner sheath (13) of the cable (1) and preferably around the braid (12) of the cable (1 ), the following steps: vii'1/ assembly of at least one shielding casing (80) surrounding the crimped rear part (52) and a shielding casing (81) surrounding both the electrical insulating part and the front part (51), so as to obtain a unitary shielded contact (9); viii'1/ assembly of two half-shells (93, 94) of the interface box around the shielded unitary contact(s) (9) according to step vii"/, with preferably maintenance of the unitary contact by retention flanges (91, 92) at the rear of the connector. Preassembled subassembly (2'), electrically conductive and which extends along a longitudinal axis (X'), to be assembled by crimping on a cable (1) comprising an electrically conductive core (10) and at least one electrically insulating sheath (13), and if necessary a shielding braid (12) around the core, the sub-assembly comprising a central contact and comprising at least two crimping parts (22, 23; 4), electrically conductive, in the axial extension of the cylindrical body (20) of which the part closest to the body, called the front part (22, 23), is adapted to be crimped around the core (10) of the cable, while the part furthest from the body, said rear part (4) is adapted to be crimped around the insulating sheath (11 or 13) and/or if necessary, around the shielding braid (12), the front and rear crimping parts being of material constituent and/or of different thickness(es), the front and rear crimping parts preferably being of matte st different constituent and joined by an electrically conductive or insulating junction, preferably formed by riveting, clinching, brazing, welding or gluing. Pre-assembled subassembly (2') according to claim 13, each of the two crimping parts comprising at least one receiving barrel (22, 40) and at least one crimping fin (23; 41, 42) connected to the barrel, the barrel (22) of the front crimping part being intended to receive the core of the cable while the barrel (40) of the rear crimping part is intended to receive the insulating sheath and/or the braid of the cable the rear part of crimp preferably comprising at least one crimp fin (41, 42) adapted to be crimped around the outer (11) and/or inner (13) insulation sheath of the insulated cable or around a seal ( 7) fitted around the sheath, preferably the outer sheath, of the insulated cable, the rear crimping part preferably comprising at least one crimping fin (41) adapted to be crimped around the shielding braid of the cable. Preassembled connector subassembly (6'), comprising a preassembled subassembly (2') according to one of Claims 13 or 14 and an electrical insulating part (3) in which the subassembly ( 2'). Coil (61) for the automatic or semi-automatic assembly by crimping of a pre-assembled sub-assembly (2';6') to an insulated cable, comprising a plurality of pre-assembled sub-assemblies (2'1,...2 'n;6'.1,...6'.n) according to one of Claims 13 to 15, mechanically connected to one another by at least one carrier strip (44) preferably pierced with a plurality of guide holes (45) to guide the carrier strip as the reel travels, and wound around a mandrel, the strip carrier being preferably mechanically connected or integrated to the front or rear crimping part or, where appropriate, connected to the junction (24, 43) between front and rear parts. Method of assembling at least one subassembly (2';6') preassembled to a cable, comprising the following steps: i2/ supply of a shielded and insulated cable (1), the electrically conductive wire(s) (10) forming the core and the shielding braid (12) being stripped at one end of the cable ; ii2/ supply of a pre-assembled sub-assembly (2';6') according to one of Claims 13 to 15, preferably from a reel according to Claim 16; iii2/ positioning the cable (1) in the pre-assembled sub-assembly (2';6') so that the stripped part of the conductive wire(s) (10) is housed in the front part of crimping (22, 23) for crimping the central contact and that the stripped part of the shielding braid comes to be housed in the rear part (4) of the central contact; iv2/ crimping of the front part (22, 23) for crimping the preassembled central contact onto the conductive wire(s) and, preferably simultaneously, of the rear part (4) for crimping the preassembled central contact on the shielding braid, so as to obtain a preassembled single contact (9') with the cable, and preferably comprising, when step ii2/ is carried out from the reel, a step iii'2/ of cutting the carrier strip, the cutting step preferably being a mechanical cutting of the carrier strip (44 ) by means of a blade or mechanical cutting (D) in shear or laser cutting, if necessary simultaneously with step iii/ of positioning the cable, and preferably further comprising providing a seal (7) fitted around the outer or inner sheath of the cable, step iv2/ further comprising crimping the rear crimp portion (4) of the contact central, preferably simultaneously with its crimping on the shielding braid, on the seal. Unitary wired (9'), and if necessary shielded (9) contact, obtained by the method according to claim 10 or according to the method according to claim 17. Connector (100), in particular multiway connector, obtained by the method according to claim 11 or 12.

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